Chester

[Alan Povey]

Chester to get its own arena?

Car park arena dream

Feb 6 2009 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

CHESTER Racecourse is examining whether to create a mini version of Liverpool’s Echo Arena for up to 4,000 people.

One idea being considered is to locate the venue on the Little Roodee car park with car parking on two levels and an arena on top, which could host concerts, events and performing arts.

It follows on from the success of the racecourse’s 500-seater Pavilion, which recently played host to the prestigious North of England Education Conference addressed by Children’s Secretary Ed Balls.

Chief executive Richard Thomas is not ready to talk about the latest proposal stressing it is early days. His board discussed the proposal on Monday.

But David Pickering, who was representing Chester Race Company, told a meeting of Music in Chester: “The Little Roodee is being looked at by Richard Thomas in terms of the possibility of two-storey car parking and a performing arts centre on top, to see if there is some merit in that.”

He said the BDP group, which is working up a master plan to regenerate Chester, was interested in removing cars from in front of Chester Castle which could be relocated to a double decker car park at the Little Roodee.

Chester Race Company has previously investigated whether it would make economic sense to create an events and conference centre on the Roodee itself.

The original idea was to create 3,000-plus grandstand next to the Leverhulme stand, incorporating an events and conference centre for up to 1,500.

The project was part of Mr Thomas’s multi-million- pound master plan with the possibility it may pave the way for a second hotel at the racecourse.

Research was carried out to see if the scheme stacked up financially and meetings were held with possible end users such as the University of Chester.

Chester Gateway to re-open?

The Chronicle’s Gateway Theatre campaign took a major step forward when a drama group claimed they could re-open it by September for £100,000.

Tip Top productions has kept the Gateway building alive by staging amateur productions in the basement studio theatre as well as investing in front-of-house facilities, lighting and sound equipment.

The group is asking for the chance to bring back professional and amateur shows and help make Chester a city for families once again. Tip Top wants the theatre’s soon-to-be owners – the new Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) – to hand over control.

City MP Christine Russell is backing the group’s bid to set up a production management company.

Tip Top chairman Peter Swingler, former chair of the Gateway, said: “Just give it to us. Let us have it and we’ll prove we can run it.”

Mr Swingler is adamant that reopening the Gateway should not be seen as a long-term substitute for providing a modern city centre-based venue.

The group is preparing a business case to CWAC and has already priced up replacing the seats sold by the city council and says the estimates are “not frightening”.

Mr Swingler believes a plea to other amateur groups and the wider community to help clean up their theatre would receive a huge response and forge valuable links for the future.

University of Chester enquire about old Odeon site.

THE University of Chester is considering making an offer for the former Odeon cinema to transform the empty building into a teaching facility with cultural activities open to the public.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Wheeler told a Music in Chester meeting the university had been interested in buying the Grade II-listed art deco building just over two years ago but it was bought by South Yorkshire-based The Brook Group.

At the time the idea was to create large 700-750 capacity lecture theatre with a studio for media students and a community arts facility which could have included a cinema. Outside term time the venue would have served as a conference centre.

Professor Wheeler, told The Chronicle there was still interest in the building but did not to wish to “over-state” the university’s involvement.

He said: “In order to progress its interest in any existing premises, the university would have to be satisfied that they could be purchased for a reasonable price; that they would be appropriate as a teaching and learning space without the need for extensive and expensive repair or refurbishment; and that they would be cost-effective in the future in terms of maintenance and running costs.

“After considerable evaluation, if all these factors proved realistic, the university sees the potential for the building, with the benefit of a large auditorium, to be used during term-time for teaching purposes and outside the academic year as a conference and events venue. As always, with university facilities, there could be scope for a programme of cultural activities that would be open to the public.”

The Vice-Chancellor said the university played a pivotal role in the cultural life of the city, for example, by staging many of the events associated with the Chester Literature Festival and he hoped the arts in Chester could experience a renaissance.

The Brook Group is about to submit a planning application for a multi-purpose leisure destination with restaurants, bars and a “niche” arts use, possibly including a dual purpose arts area that could be used as a 230-seat cinema or performance area.

But many campaigners are concerned Brook’s real intention is to set up a nightclub.

Cllr Jim Latham (Lib Dem, Boughton Heath), a member of the planning board, told the Music in Chester meeting there may be a way for the university to gain control.

Three hopeful and exciting developments to try and re-ignite Chester's cultural element.

[Alan Povey]

Chester's £50 million HQ development gathers pace in time for its summer opening. HQ is a major part of the Chester Renaissance project.

[Alan Povey]

Hopefully some light at the end of the "Northgate" tunnel.

Greyhound Retail Park owners agree to progress Chester’s Northgate Development

Feb 27 2009 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

THE UK’s biggest property company – which owns the Greyhound Retail Park – has agreed to join financiers ING to investigate the viability of a revised city centre regeneration scheme.

But Land Securities could still pull out if it decides it cannot make enough profit from a new version of the Northgate Development, which will be redesigned.

And there are question-marks about the health of the business after it turned to existing shareholders to raise £756m, although the firm says this is ‘prudent’ in the current economic climate.

The original Northgate Development aimed to bring a House of Fraser department store, new shopping streets, market hall, apartments, a performing arts centre and library.

But it stalled because of falling property values.

Land Securities has been selected by ING and Chester City Council, which owns part of the site, as the preferred development partner following a process of due diligence.

Steve Wehrle, development manager with Land Securities, said: “We believe Chester is a scheme that has potential, and could support a first rate retail-led development. Land Securities’ strength of experience allows us to use these difficult times to identify, research and refine the very best development opportunities.”

David Alker, development director of ING Real Estate, said: “We have been in detailed discussions with a number of potential partners for the project and are delighted to have been able to select one of the UK’s leading property companies from keen competition between other potential partners.”

Chester city councillor Stuart Parker said: “We are delighted that Land Securities has joined the partnership and we look forward to working with them and ING to progress the Northgate Development.”

Land Securities’ schemes have secured the British Shopping Centre Industry’s prize for the best retail development over the last four consecutive years.

The Cabot Circus scheme in Bristol was voted Best International Shopping Centre. Other award-winning projects include the regeneration of the historic centres of Canterbury and Exeter.

Hilton brand comes to Chester.

NEW YORK Hilton, London Hilton, Dubai Hilton and now...Hoole Hilton.

The 27.5m Hoole Hall Hotel on Warrington Road is the latest recruit to Hilton Hotels’ distinguished cast of luxury hotels peppered across the globe.

The lavish country mansion house is now called Doubletree by Hilton, Chester following a recent takeover.

An American delegation from The Hilton Family of Hotels flew into Chester this week to honour the newly-refurbished hotel with the status of Doubletree by Hilton, Chester.

The famous brand founded by Conrad Hilton in 1919 has more than 550 hotels worldwide.

Not only is this the first Hilton Hotel in Chester but also only the third hotel in England to receive the converted Doubletree status from Hilton.

Rett Stegall, senior brands director for Doubletree by Hilton based at offices in Beverly Hills, said: “I’m really happy and excited about bringing the Doubletree by Hilton brand to the Chester area.

“Doubletree is built on a culture of care and the team here at this hotel certainly reflect that philosophy.

Tony Wright, general manager, added: “It has been a pleasure hosting our guests from America and we’ve been very proud to show-off the breathtaking transformation of the former Hoole Hall Hotel into something very special.

“With the amazing redevelopment of an idyllic 18th century manor, a team of committed professionals, and a fantastic location in one of the country’s most attractive cities, this Doubletree by Hilton is destined to be very successful.”

It will certainly help put Chester on the map and bring further luxury to the city's accommodation and fine-dining experience.”

Highlights include bedrooms, a prestige restaurant,Victorian Grade II listed conservatory and ballroom and a 25,000 square foot luxury spa due to open this summer.

The spa will offer treatments and therapies and will be located in a three storey subterranean building. Alongside it will be two swimming pools and a state of the art gymnasium and fitness suite.

[eyeam]

Alan, any more info on the Chester HQ project? I presume it's an office development?

[Alan Povey]

Originally Posted by eyeam

Alan, any more info on the Chester HQ project? I presume it's an office development?

HQ is a £60 million development on the site of the old Cheshire Police Headquarters. The scheme will consist of an Abode hotel, office space, two restaurants and apartments. The top floor of the building will house two penthouses.

HQ Website.

[Chris B]

Not quite Chester, but close enough -

From the Echo -

Plans for Cheshire Oaks flagship Marks and Spencer store given green light

May 2 2009 by Liam Murphy

THE biggest investment proposed by Marks and Spencer outside London in the past decade has won the backing of councillors in West Cheshire and Chester.

Plans for a 150,000 square feet store at Cheshire Oaks, Ellesmere Port, will be examined by a public inquiry on June 6.

The company’s planning application was called in by the Secretary of State following objections from several neighbouring authorities, including Liverpool and the former Chester City and Cheshire County Councils.

But, after hearing guarantees from Marks and Spencer that the proposal would not affect the future of the company’s Chester stores, the new authority’s strategic planning committee decided to back the venture at the inquiry by nine votes to two.

Members heard the proposed store would create 400 jobs in one of the most deprived areas of West Cheshire and was “a tremendous vote of confidence in Ellesmere Port – particularly in the present financial climate.”

An accompanying package of obligations included environmental plans and promises from the shopping chain to pay for changes in the transport infrastructure and continue to work with residents on a nearby housing estate to address their concerns.

Mr Sacha Berendji, head of property planning at M&S, told members: "Marks and Spencer will be investing more in this flagship development than in any other development outside London over the past decade –and probably in the next decade as well. There will be nothing quite like it in the country.

Article continues here - http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liver...0252-23524064/

[Babaloo]

City with a rich historical inheritance
Chester

Debbie Andalo
The Guardian
Wednesday 20 May 2009

What they said about Chester "The best preserved walled city in England". Chestertourist.com. "Chester has four things very remarkable in it. Its walls ... the castle ... the cathedral ... the river Dee." Writer Daniel Defoe. "There's fuck all to do at night. The frigging place is a cultural desert and much of what you think is genuine architecture is fake." Babaloo.

Population Around 118,000 in Chester, but 327,500 in the district.

Local politics The new unitary authority, Cheshire West and Chester, is Conservative-controlled.

MPs Labour's Christine Russell is MP for the City of Chester.

Local authority Chester city council was an "excellent" authority, delivering "high standards" of services, governance and financial management. Cheshire county council was also a top four-star authority, "improving well." It had increased the number of vulnerable and older people who can live independently, and had taken a "strong" national position on children's extended services and children's centres. Working with others, the county council had also made "significant" reductions in vehicle, burglary and violent crime.

Job prospects There were 200 voluntary redundancies in the run-up to establishing the new unitary authority, which has a 14,000 workforce. There are no skills shortages.

Health service The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS foundation trust has "good" services and makes "excellent" use of resources. Western Cheshire primary care trust has "fair" rankings for its use of resources and services, while the Cheshire and Wirral partnership NHS foundation trust, which has its headquarters in the city, has "excellent" services and makes "good" use of resources.

Central government HM Revenue & Customs and the Probation Service have offices in the city.

Environment/regeneration Chester, a Roman city with a rich historical inheritance, is undergoing a £1.5bn regeneration programme, due to continue until 2015 and including a £50m investment in the castle gateway and a £15m facelift for the Victorian railway station.

Voluntary sector There are 16 international, 87 national and 406 local charities in the city (combined income of £109m) and 2,536 charitable trustees.

Commuter links Motorway links: M53 to Liverpool (23 miles); M53/M56 to Manchester (40 miles). Trains: London (approx 2hrs); Manchester (66 mins); Liverpool (39 mins).

Property prices Two-bed flat: £70k-£115k; three-bed semi: £105k-£220k; four-bed detached: £170k-£300k.

327,000 eh? - Almost as large as Manchester according to the last official census.

[MR KITE]

Chester: Ancient city, modern ambitions

OYEZ! Oyez! A 10-year plan costing £1.5bn couldturn Chester into a must-see European destination.

Oh no! Oh no! Work on the £460m Northgate Development will not start before 2012.

Chester’s reputation as a city full of history is well-deserved, but it can appear to struggle to get its modern-day message out there about what it has to offer.

But the city does have plenty to shout about.


Continues here

http://www.ldpbusiness.co.uk/liverpo...6026-23702344/

[4737carlin]

Seems all of the Annexe from the Countess Of Chester has gone now, but can anyone tell me is the rest of the disused parts hospital going to be pulled down? i heard the water tower is staying?

Few shots from the last days of the Annexe
Oakmere Ward


There use to be a hospital here last time i was down this way


Newton & Leighton Wards


Really hope they keep them trees, Oakmere Ward on the left, Newton & Leighton Wards on the right

[Joe the red]

Post from dmarney transferred to avoid duplication of threads
Just thought it would be good to have a thread for the city of Chester, i dont think there has been one for ages. Please post any pictures, projects or news related to it.

Sep 24 2009 Chester Chronicle

CHESTER is one of the leading contenders to become the home of a replica of Shakespeare’s famous Rose Theatre.

The timber-framed replica of London’s Elizabethan Rose Theatre was constructed for the acclaimed movie Shakespeare in Love starring Oscar winners Dame Judi Dench and Gwyneth Paltrow. And if the Cheshire West and Chester Council bid to bring the Rose here is successful, the historic city will become the northern base of the British Shakespeare Company (BSC). Dame Judi, who won an Oscar for her performance as Queen Elizabeth I in the film, received the dismantled set with its horseshoe of galleries, open-air apron stage and space for cheap ticket ‘groundlings’ as a gift. Now the actress – also famous for portraying M in the James Bond series starring Chester-born Daniel Craig – wants to see it rebuilt as a working theatre. She also happens to be patron of the BSC, alongside fellow Oscar winner Sir Ben Kingsley. Cllr Richard Short, executive member culture and recreation, said: “The British Shakespeare Company is looking for a Northern home for the theatre and we can think of no better destination than Chester. “Two thousand years of history, an established tourist centre for visitors from all over the world and some wonderful timber framed buildings, including the unique Rows, makes Chester a perfect setting for what is potentially a world-class cultural attraction.” Cllr Short emphasised that bidding for The Rose would make no difference to the city’s plans to site its own state of the art venue on the Little Roodee. “We have made it quite clear that we intend to raise the city’s cultural offer to the level of other international centres and this bid is part of that agenda,”Šhe added. Artistic director of the British Shakespeare Company, Robert J Williamson, said yesterday: “The BSC is delighted the city of Chester has expressed a keen interest in Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre. “The original Rose was where Shakespeare first came to prominence as a playwright and the replica will be a building of iconic status - recognised around the world. “Wherever it is built it will be of immense value to tourism, culture and education.” Chester will have to compete with other cities including York, Manchester and Sheffield. Cheshire West and Chester Council leader Mike Jones revealed the authority had already made contact with the British Shakespeare Company, expressing formal interest and would be meeting with representatives in November. Cllr Jones said: “We have had a very positive response from the company and look forward both to outlining the case for Chester and also learning more about the fine detail of the proposal and possible costings. “Certainly, the BSC feel that the proposal will create a first-class attraction, self-financing when the original construction investment is complete. “We are, of course, aware of interest from other potential venues but we must think about Chester’s future and nothing will be achieved by sitting back and waiting for things to happen. “I believe Chester offers the perfect backdrop for the Rose, including suitable sites, and we will be seeking major support for an idea of unlimited potential.” A feasibility study is currently under way with regard to proposals for a £30m theatre and conference centre and the authority recently announced plans to enhance the appeal of Chester’s Roman amphitheatre as an open–air performance venue. The original Rose Theatre was built in Southwark on the South bank of the Thames in 1587 and had closed by 1605. During that time it staged many works by writers such as Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe.

[Comdot]

[Babaloo]

Chester Retail Park sold for £44.5m

Oct 1 2009 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

A PROPERTY company involved with trying to resurrect the £460m Northgate Development has sold Chester Retail Park. The UK’s biggest property group, Land securities, has sold the retail park to Consolidated Property Group (CPG) for £44.5m. The former Homebase unit was recently reconfigured to accommodate Tesco Home Plus and other occupiers on the park include TK Maxx, Mothercare and McDonald’s. The park has one empty unit.

A Land Securities spokeswoman said it ‘cannot do much more property management or development’ at the site and will use the funds to invest in other retail assets. The 150,100sq ft (13,944sq m) retail park benefits from open A1 planning consents and provides an annual rental income of £3.1m per annum.

Dominic O’Rourke, head of retail warehousing for Land Securities, said: “The funds from this transaction will further increase Land Securities’ flexibility in regard to investment opportunities.“We believe that while this retail park offers stable income it does not fit Land Securities’ criteria for future investment.”

Land Securities is still working with financiers ING to investigate the feasibility of a revised city centre regeneration plan. Viability studies are being carried out with the outcome not expected until next year. But Land Securities could still pull out if it decides it cannot make enough profit from a new version of the Northgate Development, which would have to be redesigned.

The original Northgate Development aimed to bring a House of Fraser department store, new shopping streets, market hall, apartments, a performing arts centre and a library. But it stalled because of falling property values.

I'm reminded of pre-Grosvenor plans for what became L1 when I read about the Northgate Development.

[Chris B]

OK so this is directly related to Chester, but it does touch on it -

From the Echo -

Marks & Spencer get go-ahead for massive Ellesmere Port store

Oct 6 2009 By Liam Murphy

MARKS and Spencer has been given the green light to press ahead with their massive new flagship store at Ellesmere Port.

The new store would be the company's largest development in the UK outside London, and create around 350 jobs.

Plans for the 150,000 square feet near Cheshire Oaks were the subject of a public enquiry in June.

The company’s planning application was called in by the Secretary of State following objections from several neighbouring authorities, including Liverpool and the former Chester City and Cheshire County Councils.

Article continues here - http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liver...0252-24864667/

[Babaloo]

Chester’s Northgate scheme hit by recession

AMBITIOUS plans to redevelop a central part of Chester have had to be abandoned because of the credit crunch. Developer ING and its partner, Land Securities, have told Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) that the scheme cannot go ahead in its current form due to the current economic climate.

The council is now awaiting new plans for the Northgate Development, which are expected next May. The new timetable for the scheme was revealed by Cllr Herbert Manley, Executive Member for Prosperity. The initial Northgate scheme included a new department store, shopping streets, market, and theatre. ING and Land Securities, in partnership with the council, are now reviewing this scheme to produce alternative proposals.

Cllr Manley said: “It’s expected that the revised plans will be defined by May next year and, subject to a partnership agreement, the scheme can be progressed to the next stage with a wider consultation on the proposals. “It is our intention that revised proposals will constitute a quality scheme which will bring about the regeneration of this important area of the city centre.”

In the meantime, the council is informing around 150 city centre businesses that it will not proceed with Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) served in connection with the original scheme. It now seems inevitable that a new planning permission will be required for the revised scheme, and unlikely that any properties will be wanted until 2011. However, the council warned that a further CPO may be needed in the future and most – if not all – the properties included in the current confirmed order will still be required for the revised scheme.

Cllr Manley added: “While we regret the uncertainty which will result from this situation, the council remains fully committed to the delivery and long-term success of the Northgate area redevelopment, and looks forward to the revised plans next spring.”

This scheme seems to be forever stuck in the 'Walton' phase. I'm surprised that local hero, his dukeness, hasn't stepped in to rescue it.

[buggedboy]

A competitor for Liverpool One bites the dust, at least for now.

[romablue]

Originally Posted by Babaloo

This scheme seems to be forever stuck in the 'Walton' phase. I'm surprised that local hero, his dukeness, hasn't stepped in to rescue it.

Chester's problems started when his dukeness moved out to Liverpool 1. Many state that he fell out with the small minded Chester City Council and sold much of his Grosvenor Shopping Centre. I can't see the climate has changed so much for him to return.

I might also state that this scheme in its current form is poor, since its based on 1 architect with streets designed like shopping malls. Chesters quality is that its traditional streets show hundreds of years of architectual style linked together. They need to take a lead from Liverpool 1 in having many different architects working on the scheme. It has really worked well on Liverpool 1.

[Alan Povey]

The concept and purpose of the Northgate development needs to be revised, the original designs are already outdated and it's scary to think they were going to be built. The developers are trying to hard to blend it all in with "old Chester". Liverpool One has proven new can be mixed with old and seeing as none of the area that is being redeveloped has any historical affinity then let's go in a different direction. The fact is that the original development would have cost £460 million, the council and investors will want to halve that now. What's the point in going cheap on something that could be the saving grace for Chester? The whole place is on retail life support, let's face it by the time the whole thing is complete chances are the country will be well out of recession anyway. The fact that since the Odeon and Gateway theatre were shut that Chester has become a cultural wasteland doesn't help. The council's current idea is turn the flattened land adjacent to St. Martin's Way and the Crowne Plaza into a temporary car park to make the area look more appealing to the eye.

Some of my ideas would be:

• Turn what is currently the library into the "performing arts centre". Would be a far more appealing use with it's listed frontage and open square in front of it. Currently the plans have this being turned into the new market.

• Transform the old Odeon into a small music venue with restaurant or bar. Something like one of the O2 academies. Again with a pedestrianised front, it would be a popular addition to the city and add to the cultural element.

• Demolish the Crowne Plaza and construct a far more appealing looking hotel in its place. When Chester has wonderful looking hotels like the Grosvenor and also the Hilton at Doubletree, some "genius" decided to build such a monstrosity on a key road in and out of the city. As part of the current plans the idea is extend it by thirty bedrooms. I would prefer to see something a bit different, perhaps something ubber-modern. I would love to something resembling the Yas Marina Hotel being constructed in its place, perhaps on slightly smaller scale.

A department store is of course key and House of Fraser had signed up to be the anchor retailer. This needs to be the focal point of the development, a modern, glass effect type building with smaller retail units surrounding it over two levels, not to dis-similar to Liverpool One.

This Link gives you an idea of the scale of the area covered in comparison to the size of the city. The think red outline is the city walls and the bold red shading is the Northgate development.

[romablue]

Originally Posted by Alan Povey

The concept and purpose of the Northgate development needs to be revised, the original designs are already outdated and it's scary to think they were going to be built. The developers are trying to hard to blend it all in with "old Chester". Liverpool One has proven new can be mixed with old and seeing as none of the area that is being redeveloped has any historical affinity then let's go in a different direction. The fact is that the original development would have cost £460 million, the council and investors will want to halve that now. What's the point in going cheap on something that could be the saving grace for Chester? The whole place is on retail life support, let's face it by the time the whole thing is complete chances are the country will be well out of recession anyway. The fact that since the Odeon and Gateway theatre were shut that Chester has become a cultural wasteland doesn't help. The council's current idea is turn the flattened land adjacent to St. Martin's Way and the Crowne Plaza into a temporary car park to make the area look more appealing to the eye.

Some of my ideas would be:

• Turn what is currently the library into the "performing arts centre". Would be a far more appealing use with it's listed frontage and open square in front of it. Currently the plans have this being turned into the new market.

• Transform the old Odeon into a small music venue with restaurant or bar. Something like one of the O2 academies. Again with a pedestrianised front, it would be a popular addition to the city and add to the cultural element.

• Demolish the Crowne Plaza and construct a far more appealing looking hotel in its place. When Chester has wonderful looking hotels like the Grosvenor and also the Hilton at Doubletree, some "genius" decided to build such a monstrosity on a key road in and out of the city. As part of the current plans the idea is extend it by thirty bedrooms. I would prefer to see something a bit different, perhaps something ubber-modern. I would love to something resembling the Yas Marina Hotel being constructed in its place, perhaps on slightly smaller scale.

A department store is of course key and House of Fraser had signed up to be the anchor retailer. This needs to be the focal point of the development, a modern, glass effect type building with smaller retail units surrounding it over two levels, not to dis-similar to Liverpool One.

This Link gives you an idea of the scale of the area covered in comparison to the size of the city. The think red outline is the city walls and the bold red shading is the Northgate development.

Good Points Alan...

[Awayo]

Interesting and informative post from Alan. I should know Chester better, but being from the other end of the metropolitan area have could probably count easily the number of times I've visited (our "Chester" is Southport! ). Is it true that its shopping is in decline? I've always thought it did well, especially at the top end when Liverpool city centre was struggling. Has Liverpool's revival (or the Dumpington atrocity) affected it?

Interestingly Southport (a town that seemed to do better when Liverpool was in steep decline) has also seen a real decline in its shopping offer in recent years. Although, again, the Trafford Centre might have a lot to do with this rather than the recent turnaround in Liverpool city centre.

[romablue]

Chester has traditionally tried to sell itself as a major shopping location. I can remember not too many years ago that it was in the top 20 shopping locations in the country. In part this was because west of chester there is no large scale shopping area so it had a very large catchment area for a city of its size.
Many from Manchester and Liverpool would also think of going shopping in Chester as they didn't have the same characteristic shops as Chester did (e.g. the old Browns department Store (not the modern Debenhams mock version), and two Owen Owen stores).
All good things come to an end. Other shopping alternatives have grown up in the last 10 years, firstly Manchester city centre after the bomb blast, then the Trafford Centre, then nearer to home, Cheshire Oaks (which I am told has pinched nearly 20% of Chester's trade), the Broughton Shopping Park just over the border in Wales, the new Eagle Meadows Shopping Precinct in Wrexham and possibly the final nail Liverpool One. My parents live in Chester and we go twice a year but we have noticed in recent years that even taking into consideration the credit crunch that the city is half empty, there are many shops to let and the only days when it is full are when there are lots of foreign tourists or the races are on.
Chester has fallen behind to other alternatives and just selling a city on being pictoresque and historic is not enough to bring the shopper.. I would also blame much of Chester's problems on poor local government who have failed to add to the cities cultural mix (as Alan points out in post #57), and given planning permission to some awful buildings with no architectual merit, mostly red brick with small windows and no features..